CANADIAN DOG JUDGES ASSOCIATION

Every organization that intends to be in business and provide a service to its members needs a "Vision Statement" to guide it along its intended path. This broad statement is only changed by circumstances and reality as the organization moves towards its goals. The following is the initial vision statement for the Canadian Dog Judges Association.

The Association intends to work in a cooperative manner with the Canadian Kennel Club and Dog Clubs of all types to promote professional conformation judging by its members. The Association will deliver education programs for judges and disseminate information designed to keep its members informed and united in a common goal of improving the image of the Canadian conformation judging profession around the world.

I would like to say how delighted I was to receive all of the information contained within this issue. I sent out a plea, asking for input and you all came through. Thank you so much.

As this is a new publication you can expect to see it go through many changes over the next several issues. Your comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. We hope to start regular columns, such as: LETTER TO THE EDITOR, WHAT WOULD YOU DO, NOTICE BOARD, plus anything else which you, as our reader, wish to contribute.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and will submit articles, etc. in the future, to help make it a booming success.

Kathy Stewart

PRESIDENT � Fred Heal

Profession: Electronics Engineer, Consulting Executive, (retired). First owned Doberman Pinschers in 1944. Started Jagermeister Kennels in 1961.Bred Doberman Pinschers and German Shorthaired Pointers. Owned & exhibited Boxers.

Professional Handler 1969 � 1974, Began judging in 1974

Approved for all-breeds in 1989, Has judged in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, and U.S.A. Only Canadian to ever judge the Doberman Pinscher Club of Canada National Specialty.Still breeds and exhibits Doberman Pinschers occasionally

Hobbies: Curling, auctions, restorations, carving

Actively involved with dogs for the past 20 years

(My first introduction to the vast array of dog breeds was a 1945 edition of the AKC Book of Dogs, which I opened most every time I visited my grandmother as a child. In 1970, she gave me the book for my birthday and it is one of my treasured possessions and a book that I still refer to it for its excellent discussions regarding origins and history of the breeds.)

- I have been an exhibitor, breeder, specialty and all-breed club member .

- I am currently completing my permit requirements for the first half of Group I.

- In the past I bred Irish Setters and Smooth Fox Terriers under the Ballyboy prefix.

- Currently co-breed (with Janet Lobb) Smooth Fox Terriers under the Fauxpaw prefix.

- I have held most club offices, including President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director.

- I am reasonably competent with a computer and with communications technology (faxes, e-mail and now ICQ chat software). To facilitate the keeping of complete records for the CDJA I would ask that you copy me on any non-confidential correspondence pertaining to the CDJA, which you send or receive.

- I was born and raised in Kapuskasing, Ontario,

- 1975 attended the University of Guelph.

- I currently live in London, Ontario with my somewhat non-doggy but very tolerant spouse, Dan Peden.

- I am employed as a Program Co-ordinator at the London Health Sciences Center working mainly in the prevention of Trauma through education.

TREASURER - Judy Hunt Windanna Kennels (Perm) Reg.

- Labrador Retrievers

- Bred our first litter in 1977

- Permanent registration in 1984

- We have bred 39 litters to date.

- We have produced: over 55 breeder or owner handled homebred champions, 36 Companion Dogs, 12 Companion Dogs Excellent, and 2 Obedience Trial Champions. On the field side - 14 Working Certificates - 1 Working Certificate Intermediate, 2 Working Certificates Excellent, 7 North American Hunting Retriever Started, 1 Working Retriever and 1 Master Hunter.

- We have won the Neville Trophy three times. (This is the most prestigious award offered by the Labrador Owners' Club of Canada - Awarded annually to the dog which has earned it's championship, an obedience title and a working title all within the club year, not an easy task. One of our stud dogs sired another winner.

- At present I am the Alberta Director for the Labrador Retriever Club of Can.; Secretary for the Evelyn Kenny Kennel and Obedience Club; Secretary/Treasurer for the Southern Alberta Judges' Study Group; Treasurer for the Canadian Dog Judges' Association; Newsletter Editor, Canadian liaison for the International Labrador Newsletter (England), supplied the Canadian content for the "Official Book of the Labrador Retriever" published by the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. (USA) obedience/puppy/handling instructor for Westwind Sporting Dog Club; past Membership/Newsletter Editor for the Alberta Kennel Club. I think that's all. Plus, I ring steward at all the local shows, and have been the chairperson, plus everything else for the Westwind Sporting Dog Club Group One Specialty since it began.

- I am a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, Alberta Kennel Club, Evelyn Kenny Kennel and Obedience Club, Westwind Sporting Dog Club, Labrador Retriever Club of Canada, The Labrador Retriever Club (England), The Labrador Retriever Club Inc. (USA), Canadian Dog Judges' Association; Southern Alberta Judges' Study Group.

- I am licensed to judges Groups 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7. I'm on permit for Group 6.

- Hobbies � reading, aquasize, gardening,

- Mother of two daughters and grandmother of three.

MANITOBA DIRECTOR � George D. Taylor

Retired engineer, by profession.My family bred, trained and exhibited dogs.They bred Boston Terriers, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, Pomeranians, English Setters and Curly Coated Retrievers.

Was assistant to father who was a professional handler � specializing in Sporting dogs (Gundogs), Began training hunting dogs in 1950, became professional handler shortly after.

Kennel name is "Shadeland"

Bred & exhibited some of the top winning German Short Haired Pointers in North America.

Became involved with Welsh Terriers 36 years ago, still breeding them.

Have been judging for 27 years

Obtained all breed approval in 1979 and have judged in the following places: Canada, USA, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Bermuda, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Sweden.

Served as the 2nd Vice President of the CKC from 1990 to 1993

ATLANTIC DIRECTOR � Mike Lanctot

My wife, Pat, and I have been breeding Labrador Retrievers since 1974 under the Ebonylane prefix.

- We presently are each eligible to judge two groups.

- I retired from Canadian National Railways on October 1, 1997 after 35 years of service

- I now own and operate a personal computer business.

- I am charter Vice-President and presently Atlantic Region Director of the Labrador Retriever Club of Canada, charter President of the Atlantic Labrador Retriever Club, Chairman of the '98 LRCC National Specialty, Chairman of the '98 ALRC Specialty, Atlantic Region Director of Best Friends, Secretary/Treasurer of the Atlantic Region Conformation Judges Association, honorary lifetime member of the Chateauguay Valley Kennel Club, member of the Hochelaga Kennel Club, Halifax Kennel Club, Labrador Owners Club of Canada, and the Eastern Ontario Labrador Breeders Association

- my dear wife has threatened to leave me if I make just one more commitment.

(Please send me your favorite website locations.)-Kathy Stewart
Bob Cole's You Be The Judge Series.
http://worldclassdogs.com.bs/wcdyoubethejudge/wcdyoubethejudgemainpage.html

For a Complete listing on shows in Canada, including judges, closing and entry info.
http://www.dogbiz.com/dog-shows-can/ckc-events-calendar.htm

AKC list of seminars
http://www.akc.org/seminars.htm

MEMBERSHIP

Much has been said over the recent years about the need for an organization to promote, encourage and educate the conformation dog judges in Canada. This group has now come into being, and I have the pleasure of being the membership chairman.

I have attached an information sheet. I would ask all current and new members to complete and return to me as soon as possible. I am establishing a data base with the details provided in this form. We would like to be able to use this information:

-to offer a list to Specialty clubs of judges who have a background in that breed, or related breeds,
-to offer to prospective judges a list of established judges who would be willing to act as mentor in general, or for specific breeds,
-to create a list of experienced breeder-judges who would be willing to present seminars on certain breeds,
-to create a list of Canadian judges who have judged in foreign countries and under different systems that would be willing to share these experiences in order to prepare first time travelers for what might await them abroad, and
-to plan new programs to meet the needs and interests of our members.

In this Newsletter you will also find a membership application. Please make copies of it and pass it on to your friends who are also judges. To make this group truly representational we need to have full participation of the membership.

Please don't forget to FILL IN the information sheet and return it to me.

Thora Brown

On Sunday, January 18, 1998, the Manitoba Region held a very successful Judges Seminar in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were approximately 15 people present. During the first 1� hours, a short talk was given by George and Gerry Taylor on judging procedure. This was aimed at newer judges, but also as a refresher to established judges. A demonstration on measuring dogs was followed by a hands-on session.

Sandra Thomas and Gail Harrison gave a very professional presentation on behalf of the Siberian Husky Club of Canada, which included a printed and illustrated handout. Several specimens of the breed were there for evaluation.

After lunch, Linda Smith and Lydia Langley gave a detailed presentation on Terriers. Present were Airedales, West Highland Whites and Welsh Terriers.

The presentation was fabulous and went into great detail. There was much hands on work and Technical discussion of structure and movement. In all, it was a very professional and entertaining presentation. Our next presentation will cover Weimaraners; and possibly Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs.

George Taylor

There are two Judges Study Groups in the Lower Mainland of BC. One is held weekly in blocks of eight sessions at my house. Leslie Rodgers instructs. One breed is discussed each week. Breeders bring four to six dogs to class. We go over history, the standard, watch the A.K.C. video and then do hands on of the dogs. Each session is two hours long and we do several blocks per year. Participants are approved Judges, permit holders and breeders who attend to further their knowledge. The cost is forty dollars per block.

Donna Cole

The Atlantic Region Conformation Judges Assoc. was formed to provide educational opportunities and assistance for conformation judges. It is open to all-breed and permit judges in the Atlantic Provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Aspiring judges are welcomed as soon as they have demonstrated a seriousness to become a judge by writing the CKC exam.

As of January 1, 1997 there were 35 judges in the Atlantic region of which 23 supported the Association through their membership - the ratio of members/judges by province is 9/12 for Nova Scotia, 4/5 for Newfoundland, 4/6 for Prince Edward Island and 6/12 for New Brunswick. Since the membership is spread so far apart, we usually meet only twice a year - in the spring and fall. We organize one weekend seminar each year and usually study four breeds over the two days with presentations made by leading breeders and/or judges of those breeds.

The 1997 seminar was held in Moncton on October 18th and was extremely successful thanks to the hard work of our co-ordinator, Don Wallace. This was the first time we invited the general public to attend a portion of our seminar.

On Saturday we had a presentation by Betty McHugh on structure and movement which was attended by 14 members and 30 guests.

The AGM was held Saturday night and was attended by 14 members and 2 guests. There was a general informal discussion on the success of opening this seminar to the general public. It was agreed to do this again where and when practical.

On Sunday, Betty gave us a detailed breed study of the Samoyed that was restricted to members only. Several suggestions were put forward for the 1998 seminar. In addition to the seminars, the ARCJA has accumulated a complete set of AKC breed videos that are loaned to the members free of charge. As of January 1, 1998 members have borrowed our library videos for 18,985 video/loan days, and presently 37 videos are out on loan to members.

In my next report I will have more information for you on the 1998 ARCJA Breed Seminar plus some information on plans to become involved with a seminar by Patricia Craig Trotter.

Mike Lanctot

On Tuesday, January 27, 1998, the first organizational meeting of the Vancouver Island Judges Study Group was held. 13 attended with 2 absent but planning to be there next week. 10 of the group are at varying levels of approvals from All breeds to just written the exam. I think we had the distinction of having the first person write the "New" CKC judge's exam following revision. The writer did catch a mind-blowing error in that she was asked to provide all disqualifications AND FAULTS for the breeds she was applying for. I think that booboo got altered. We have 5 members who are following our training program but are not yet ready to write exams.

The general reaction about CDJA was positive although some were a little anxious to know what it was we planned to accomplish. I did go through the Purpose section of our draft Constitution with them. I also got a definite feeling from a few of a resistance to a totally technology-based contact. They really wanted to have a Newsletter they could hold, dare I say receive in the mail?

Doreen Marsh has volunteered to act as the Vancouver Island Representative. Only 5 members of the group have active e-mail involvement. I think there may be a little more interest in moving into the Technology in the future.

Ginny Lyne

The Southern Alberta Judges Study Group held their AGM on Tuesday January 20th, 1998.

Executive:
President: Carol Graham
Vice-President: Anita Cairns
Secretary � Treasurer: Judy Hunt Directors: Sue Baddick, Terry Carter, Linda Berar.

The group meets the third Tuesday of every month usually at the home of Carol Graham. Agenda for the February meeting is a study of the Miniature Pinscher presented by Bev Creed and Wendy Maisey.

Carol Graham

Upcoming Judges Seminars:

March 25th at the Guide Dog Center in Manotick � Pointers - Sandy Gunn
April 22nd at the Guide Dog Center in Manotick - Poodles - Doris Grant.
Oct. 17 Kars, Ont. (Under negotiation) - Basic judges course

Leta Bett

From the November issue of Dogs ( p. 11-14, p 14 - 18 en fran�ais) comes the new Chapter for the Policy and Procedures Manual outlining the procedures for application of initial and all subsequent permits. Most important changes here include the new fee structure; a fitness clause; more extensive match judging, stewarding and seminar attendance; more frequent writing of examinations; and change in the number dogs needed per permit. The section should be read carefully by all - contemplating becoming a judge, those in the permit system, and the current all-rounders.

From the December issue - the minutes of the June semi-annual meeting. Highlights here include:
A) Amendments to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever standard, to come into effect January 1,1998 (p. 17); proposed amendments for the Italian Greyhound standard published for comment (p. 18); and the white German Shepherd disqualification passed, effective January 1, 1998 (p. 19).
B) A new Chapter X for the Policy & Procedures Manual was approved - Committees, Councils & Appointments. A standing Committee - the Event Officiating Committee - "responsible for the development of policy, standards, guidelines and programs related to the training and accreditation of judges and event officials for all disciplines as the Board may direct." (p. 30); Standing Councils - the Conformation Council "responsible for all matters relating to conformation dog shows" (p. 31); and Council Representatives - a broader definition of eligibility and responsibilities. (p. 32)
C) The passage of the new policies for judging applications (details mentioned earlier).

>From the January issue - a report of the discipline committee: - an exhibitor debarred for 90 days and costs levied for subjecting a judge to indignities
- a judge reprimanded and costs levied for requesting 2 handlers switch dogs in the ring
- a judge suspended for 90 days and costs levied for re-judging a class after his judge's book was marked and ribbons awarded.
- a judge reprimanded and costs levied for unnecessary conversation in the ring, discussing merits of other exhibitor's dogs.

The latest news: a memo has been received that effective January 1, 1999, permit judges will be subject to the 250 mile, 3 month, restriction on assignments. The only assignments that will not fall under this rule will be sweepstakes assignments. This new ruling will be monitored for contracts that have already been signed which will contravene the time and distance.

Thora Brown

We are looking for volunteers to fill Regional Directors positions for: Saskatchewan and Quebec - to keep us up to date on upcoming Seminars, Judges education, Local marketing, reporting, etc.

Please contact: Fred Heal.

At the present time the plans for Programming and Marketing aspects of CDJA are in an exploratory and developmental stage. We anticipate these areas, which are extremely important in the future development of the organization, will include all aspects of Education and Training for judges as well as the Promotion, Publicity and Marketing aspects of CDJA. We believe that these responsibilities will probably be shared by two interrelated committees. The first will focus on educational support and resources for judges and the second will relate to the many aspects of communication, promotion and publicity.

Your expertise and interest is needed! If you would like to become involved in either of these areas of CDJA please contact either Ginny Lyne or Richard Paquette with you ideas and special interests.

Ginny Lyne

"WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO.FORM A JUDGE'S ASSOCIATION?" Answer: lots of desire, inspiration, creativity and attention to detail.

Aren�t details times consuming? Definitely, but the time spent on details, particularly the legal kind, pays off in the future. Attention to the legalities today can save countless hours of valuable member time and resources tomorrow.

Creating an association is similar to drafting a breed standard. As individuals, we may have a very clear vision of a breed's purpose and its ideal conformation. Even so, the "details" of the standard may become a source of conflict if we don't agree on the fine points in advance. The breed standard may become a source of conflict and tension instead of a useful tool to guide fanciers.

� The same holds true when creating clubs, associations and societies. The chances of an association functioning productively and smoothly are enhanced if the details are carefully structured and set down in the "breed standard" or, as they are known in legalese, the "by-laws".

Here is the legal beagle's Top-Ten List to consider when forming an Association:

1. Will the Association be incorporated? Translation: have a legal life of its own to protect members from financial ruin.

2. Will it operate across Canada? If so, the Canada Business Corporations Act (the CBCA) sets out the requirements for the "by-laws". Miss a requirement, and the association is not incorporated.

3. How will members resolve internal disputes? A well thought out conflict resolution system benefits everyone and saves money.

4. Who will exercise "power" in the Association? Voting rights are the source of "power".

5. How many people will be involved in day to day decisions? The "executive" performs this role - will there be a skeleton crew or lots of people to consult and make business decisions.

6. How may the by-laws be changed? To prevent abuse, there must be a balance between flexibility and convenient "control".

7. What are the criteria for membership? Is everyone welcome or only those people who meet objective and demonstrable criteria?

8. Will there be different "classes" of members - those with, and those without, voting rights.

9. What is the process to remove a member? If the process is carefully designed, that protects members.

10. Why are we doing this? The "objects" of the Association may be easy to understand, but hard to define.

There are many more aspects to consider when incorporating an association. For example, if a non-profit group meets specific requirements, the association can be recognized by Revenue Canada as a registered charity. Donations to a registered charity are tax deductible.

Another important consideration is the name of the Association. An incorporated association has certain advantages when protecting its name and the goodwill that people associate with the name. The name "Canadian Dog Judges Association" is reserved and, if acceptable to the Federal Government, will be approved upon incorporation.

It is hoped that, with time devoted to these "legalities" up front, everyone will enjoy a productive and positive relationship with the Association for years to come.

Copyright 1998 by Gail H. Forsythe. Ms. Forsythe is a lawyer, mediator and Corporate Ombudsperson who can be contacted at (604) 687-5314 or [email protected].

Lyrics by Ray Stevens

Many, many years ago when I was twenty-three, I got married to a widow who was pretty as could be. This widow had a grown-up daughter who had hair of red. My father fell in love with her, and soon the two were wed.

This made my dad my son-in-law and changed my very life. My daughter was my mother, for she was my father's wife.

To complicate the matters worse, although it brought me joy, I soon became the father of a bouncing baby boy.

My little baby then became a brother-in-law to dad, and so became my uncle, though it made me very sad.

For if he was my uncle, then that also made him brother, to the widow's grown-up daughter who, of course, was my stepmother.

Father's wife then had a son, who kept him on the run, and he became my grandson, for he was my daughter's son.

My wife is now my mother's mother and it makes me blue, because, although she is my wife, she is my grandma too.

If my wife is my grandmother, then I am her grandchild, and every time I think of it, it simply drives me wild.

For now I have become the strangest case you ever saw. As the husband of my grandmother, I am my own grandpa.

�

You are judging English Cocker Spaniels. You have judged one Sr. puppy male and two Open males. You are just about to hand the WM ribbon to the Sr. Puppy when its handler trips and in doing so, steps on the paw of his dog, making it cry out in pain and obviously go lame. The handler of the Reserve winner demands that he be given the Winner�s ribbon, because the puppy has gone lame. What do you do? Is the lame dog excused? Does WM go to the Open male? Does Reserve go to the 2nd place winner in the Open class?

Editor�s comment: Your responses will be published in the next newsletter. I would greatly appreciate any further suggestions for situations/questions to be put in this column.

Kathy Stewart

Doral Book Publishing offers licensed judges a 40% discount on their extensive collection of books, including Pat Trotter's new book "Born To Win". You must include your judge�s number when ordering.

� Help us to come up with a logo.
We are in the process of developing a logo for the CDJA and would like input from our membership. If a submission from a member is accepted, that individual will receive a one-year�s free CDJA membership. Deadline for submissions is - April 1/98. It might be nice to incorporate any one or more of the following - the Canadian flag, the Maple leaf, the beaver, a rosette, plus the letters CDJA. Please send your designs to Fred Heal. 5072 County Rd 44, Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0

e-mail address: [email protected]

The success of this newsletter depends on you, our members.Please contribute things that you think will be of interest to others. KJS.

Section A.
I think the important aspect is a change from calling judges 'approved' to 'licensed'. The point to consider is that judging is a privilege granted by the CKC, not a right or reward, and can be revoked for just cause. The Event Officiating Committee is currently made up of John Lusk, Joan Bennett, Cheryl Myers Egerton, Elaine Whitney and Sandy Gelinas. We are also working on a Code of Ethics for Judges, and are rewriting the Guidelines making them rules. Once approved by the CKC Board of Directors, they will become part of the policy.

Section B
1. This does not effect judges who are already approved. New applicants will require an All Breed Judge to sponsor them. It is hoped that the all �rounders would only sponsor people after having a frank discussion with the person as to the pros and cons of judging, and deciding that the prospective applicant does possess, in their opinion, the necessary experience and knowledge to become a competent and knowledgeable judge. It is expected that the judge will be a mentor for the new judge.

� 2. It is hoped that judges who are no longer able to physically or mentally cope with the demands of judging would limit their assignments to fit their limitations or enter the Emeritus program.

� 3. Greater stress will be placed on having more experience and developing a program of continuing self-education for all aspiring judges. New applicants must attend a CKC Introduction to Conformation Judging Seminar. These seminars will be held based on demand and will be available in various locations.

� 4. Self-explanatory.

5. One of the current problems is the lack of qualified observers. A program for training observers is in the works and should eliminate this problem. The Event Officiating Committee is well aware of this problem and takes this into consideration when reviewing observer report forms.

� 6. The most significant change is that additional permits for a full group can be applied for only after being

licensed for 4 groups instead of 3 as in the past. This is consistent with being granted Best in Show privileges.

� Applicants for additional permits should be able to demonstrate some knowledge and continuing education for the breeds they are applying for. (i.e. seminars, breeders visited, specialties attended, videos, books read, etc.)

� Additional permits will only be granted after an applicant writes an open book test on the breed standards. This test is being worked on and will be implemented for permits applied for after July 1, 1998.

� 7. Self-Explanatory

� 8. There seems to be some concern from judges about section (b), which is the part about having your license reviewed if you have had no assignments for the breeds and groups you are licensed for in the past 5 years. This does not mean that you will be reviewed if you have not judged some of the rarer breeds such as Drevers, although you are actively judging.

� Part (c) does mean that all judges will be expected to participate in on-going education and will have to attend a CKC Continuing Education Seminar at least every 5 years.

9. Anyone in the middle of an existing permit will continue with the old numbers. Anyone beginning their additional permit in 1998, or if their approval was effective January 1, 1998, will be subject to the new numbers. If you have any doubts, contact the Shows and Trials Judges department for clarification.

The annual fees will include any additional permits applied for.

In summary these proposals will enhance the knowledge, competency and good reputations that Canadian judges have become known for.

Effective January 1, 1999 Permit judges will have to abide by the distance and time restrictions that licensed judges must adhere to. "A judge must not accept an assignment to judge the same breeds, groups, or general specials at shows that are held less than 90 days apart if the distance between the shows is within 250 road miles (402 km.)"

written by Kathy Stewart

If you are going to be judging a breed that has a disqualification for weight and/or height, it is best to confirm with the club officials that they have a scale and a wicket on the premises that may be used if necessary. All show giving clubs are supposed to have these available, but on occasion they are not. It is best to confirm this BEFORE you call for a measure. Only dogs that have a disqualification for weight or height, written into their breed standard, may be weighed or measured by a judge. If there is any doubt in your mind, check the breed standard to make sure that height is a disqualification, and what that height is, prior to calling for a measure. (Note: Poodles when measured over/under should be EXCUSED as per the breed standard, as a dog is only considered disqualified when it is measured out at three shows.) Following are the steps to be used when measuring the height of a dog.

First of all, the dog must be standing on a level surface. Dogs, which are normally examined on a table, should be measured on a table that is steady and not rocking. Dogs normally examined on the floor should be measured on the floor. If judging at an outdoor show, the club officials should provide a flat surface on which to measure the heights of breeds normally judged on the ground.

� Each wicket has measurements marked on its legs so that it can be set to the correct height. When set, the number must be showing below the ferrule (ring which reinforces the horizontal rod). The judge should set the wicket, then use a measuring tape to ascertain that the measurement is correct. In the presence of the ring steward or show superintendent the judge should then show the wicket to the handler of the dog, to get him/her to confirm that it is set at the correct location.

� The dog should then be set up by its handler (not touched by the judge) to the specifications of the judge. That is, set in a natural pose with its legs squarely and directly below its body. The head should be facing directly forward with the top plain of the muzzle parallel to the ground. The exhibitor should not be pulling the dog into position, nor doing anything that might make the dog crouch. It is important to make sure that there is sufficient room on either side of the dog for the wicket legs to make contact with the surface that the dog is standing on.

If you are measuring a heavily coated dog, the hair should be parted and flattened as best as possible. Standing on the left side of the dog, the judge should then place the fingers of his/her left hand at the highest point of the withers. Without moving his/her hand the judge should then ask the exhibitor to confirm that this is the correct location to take a measure. Once confirmed the judge will carefully bring the wicket, with his right hand, from behind and over the dog until the approximate center of the horizontal bar rests at the highest point of the withers. It is important to see whether one or both legs are touching the surface that the dog is standing on. This will tell you whether or not the dog measures within the specified range. Be sure to point out your findings to the exhibitor and the witness, before removing the wicket - again towards the rear of the dog.

When checking for maximum height, set the wicket at the maximum height and measure the dog. If both legs of the wicket touch the surface, the dog is shorter than the maximum height and is measured as "In." If one or more legs do not touch the measuring surface, the dog is taller than the maximum height and must be measured as "Out."

Once you have measured a dog, you should mark you decision in your judge�s book with either, "Measured In" or "Disqualified - Measured Out." The exhibitor must be advised (prior to leaving the ring) if the dog is disqualified and then must be asked to leave the ring. Disqualified dogs shall not receive any awards, ribbons, or prizes. This dog may not be entered or shown at another show until the dog has been reinstated by the CKC.

If a dog will not stand and be measured, the judge has the right to excuse it from competition, and would therefore mark his/her judge�s book, "Excused � unable to examine."

(20.2) "In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge SHALL BE INCLUDED in the calculation for championship points."

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